Multi-mode wireless apparatus and methods of operation

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for multi-mode operation of a wireless-enabled device, including for extending the range of the wireless signal in a wireless network. In one embodiment, a multi-mode Consumer Premises Equipment (CPE) is provided utilizing “quasi-licensed” CBRS (Citizen Broadband Radio Service) wireless spectrum. In one variant, the apparatus and methods provide a solution to use a CPE in a Wi-Fi extender mode to extend Wi-Fi signal from a router. In another variant, a solution is provided to use a CPE in an LTE repeater mode to extend the LTE signal from an LTE eNB/gNB. In another embodiment, a CPE is used as a base station for a wireless network utilizing “quasi-licensed” CBRS (Citizen Broadband Radio Service) wireless spectrum.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND 1. Technological Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of wirelessnetworks and specifically, in one or more exemplary embodiments, tomethods and apparatus for utilizing premises devices such as for examplethose providing connectivity via quasi-licensed Citizens Broadband RadioService (CBRS) technologies, for additional or alternate functions suchas extending range of other types of wireless systems.

2. Description of Related Technology

A multitude of wireless networking technologies, also known as RadioAccess Technologies (“RATs”), provide the underlying means of connectionfor radio-based communication networks to user devices. Such RATs oftenutilize licensed radio frequency spectrum (i.e., that allocated by theFCC per the Table of Frequency Allocations as codified at Section 2.106of the Commission's Rules. In the United States, regulatoryresponsibility for the radio spectrum is divided between the U.S.Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the NationalTelecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The FCC, whichis an independent regulatory agency, administers spectrum fornon-Federal use (i.e., state, local government, commercial, privateinternal business, and personal use) and the NTIA, which is an operatingunit of the Department of Commerce, administers spectrum for Federal use(e.g., use by the Army, the FAA, and the FBI). Currently only frequencybands between 9 kHz and 275 GHz have been allocated (i.e., designatedfor use by one or more terrestrial or space radio communication servicesor the radio astronomy service under specified conditions). For example,a typical cellular service provider might utilize spectrum for so-called“3G” (third generation) and “4G” (fourth generation) wirelesscommunications as shown in Table 1 below:

TABLE 1 Technology Bands 3G 850 MHz Cellular, Band 5 (GSM/GPRS/EDGE).1900 MHz PCS, Band 2 (GSM/GPRS/EDGE). 850 MHz Cellular, Band 5(UMTS/HSPA+ up to 21 Mbit/s). 1900 MHz PCS, Band 2 (UMTS/HSPA+ up to 21Mbit/s). 4G 700 MHz Lower B/C, Band 12/17 (LTE). 850 MHz Cellular, Band5 (LTE). 1700/2100 MHz AWS, Band 4 (LTE). 1900 MHz PCS, Band 2 (LTE).2300 MHz WCS, Band 30 (LTE).

Alternatively, unlicensed spectrum may be utilized, such as that withinthe so-called ISM-bands. The ISM bands are defined by the ITU RadioRegulations (Article 5) in footnotes 5.138, 5.150, and 5.280 of theRadio Regulations. In the United States, uses of the ISM bands aregoverned by Part 18 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)rules, while Part 15 contains the rules for unlicensed communicationdevices, even those that share ISM frequencies. Table 2 below showstypical ISM frequency allocations:

TABLE 2 Frequency Center range Type frequency Availability Licensedusers 6.765 MHz- A 6.78 MHz Subject to local Fixed service & mobile6.795 MHz acceptance service 13.553 MHz- B 13.56 MHz Worldwide Fixed &mobile services 13.567 MHz except aeronautical mobile (R) service 26.957MHz- B 27.12 MHz Worldwide Fixed & mobile service 27.283 MHz exceptaeronautical mobile service, CB radio 40.66 MHz- B 40.68 MHz WorldwideFixed, mobile services & 40.7 MHz earth exploration-satellite service433.05 MHz- A 433.92 MHz only in Region amateur service & 434.79 MHz 1,subject to radiolocation service, local acceptance additional apply theprovisions of footnote 5.280 902 MHz- B 915 MHz Region 2 only Fixed,mobile except 928 MHz (with some aeronautical mobile & exceptions)radiolocation service; in Region 2 additional amateur service 2.4 GHz- B2.45 GHz Worldwide Fixed, mobile, 2.5 GHz radiolocation, amateur &amateur-satellite service 5.725 GHz- B 5.8 GHz WorldwideFixed-satellite, 5.875 GHz radiolocation, mobile, amateur & amateur-satellite service 24 GHz- B 24.125 GHz Worldwide Amateur, amateur- 24.25GHz satellite, radiolocation & earth exploration-satellite service(active) 61 GHz- A 61.25 GHz Subject to local Fixed, inter-satellite,61.5 GHz acceptance mobile & radiolocation service 122 GHz- A 122.5 GHzSubject to local Earth exploration-satellite 123 GHz acceptance(passive), fixed, inter- satellite, mobile, space research (passive) &amateur service 244 GHz- A 245 GHz Subject to local Radiolocation, radio246 GHz acceptance astronomy, amateur & amateur-satellite service

ISM bands are also been shared with (non-ISM) license-freecommunications applications such as wireless sensor networks in the 915MHz and 2.450 GHz bands, as well as wireless LANs and cordless phones inthe 915 MHz, 2.450 GHz, and 5.800 GHz bands.

Additionally, the 5 GHz band has been allocated for use by, e.g., WLANequipment, as shown in Table 3:

TABLE 3 Dynamic Freq. Selection Band Name Frequency Band Required (DFS)?UNII-1 5.15 to 5.25 GHz No UNII-2 5.25 to 5.35 GHz Yes UNII-2 Extended5.47 to 5.725 GHz Yes UNII-3 5.725 to 5.825 GHz No

User client devices (e.g., smartphone, tablet, phablet, laptop,smartwatch, or other wireless-enabled devices, mobile or otherwise)generally support multiple RATs that enable the devices to connect toone another, or to networks (e.g., the Internet, intranets, orextranets), often including RATs associated with both licensed andunlicensed spectrum. In particular, wireless access to other networks byclient devices is made possible by wireless technologies that utilizenetworked hardware, such as a wireless access point (“WAP” or “AP”),small cells, femtocells, or cellular towers, serviced by a backend orbackhaul portion of service provider network (e.g., a cable network). Auser may generally access the network at a “hotspot,” a physicallocation at which the user may obtain access by connecting to modems,routers, APs, etc. that are within wireless range.

CBRS—

In 2016, the FCC made available Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS)spectrum in the 3550-3700 MHz (3.5 GHz) band, making 150 MHz of spectrumavailable for mobile broadband and other commercial users. The CBRS isunique, in that it makes available a comparatively large amount ofspectrum (frequency bandwidth) without the need for expensive auctions,and without ties to a particular operator or service provider.

Moreover, the CBRS spectrum is suitable for shared use betweengovernment and commercial interests, based on a system of existing“incumbents,” including the Department of Defense (DoD) and fixedsatellite services. Specifically, a three-tiered access framework forthe 3.5 GHz is used; i.e., (i) an Incumbent Access tier 102, (ii)Priority Access tier 104, and (iii) General Authorized Access tier 106.See FIG. 1. The three tiers are coordinated through one or more dynamicSpectrum Access Systems (SAS) 202 as shown in FIG. 2 and Appendix I(including e.g., Band 48 therein).

Incumbent Access (existing DOD and satellite) users 102 includeauthorized federal and grandfathered Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) userscurrently operating in the 3.5 GHz band shown in FIG. 1. These userswill be protected from harmful interference from Priority Access License(PAL) and General Authorized Access (GAA) users. The sensor networks,operated by Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) operators, make surethat incumbents and others utilizing the spectrum are protected frominterference.

The Priority Access tier 104 (including acquisition of spectrum for upto three years through an auction process) consists of Priority AccessLicenses (PALs) that will be assigned using competitive bidding withinthe 3550-3650 MHz portion of the band. Each PAL is defined as anon-renewable authorization to use a 10 MHz channel in a single censustract for three years. Up to seven (7) total PALs may be assigned in anygiven census tract, with up to four PALs going to any single applicant.Applicants may acquire up to two-consecutive PAL terms in any givenlicense area during the first auction.

The General Authorized Access tier 106 (for any user with an authorized3.5 GHz device) is licensed-by-rule to permit open, flexible access tothe band for the widest possible group of potential users. GeneralAuthorized Access (GAA) users are permitted to use any portion of the3550-3700 MHz band not assigned to a higher tier user and may alsooperate opportunistically on unused Priority Access License (PAL)channels. See FIG. 2 a.

The FCC's three-tiered spectrum sharing architecture of FIG. 1 utilizes“fast-track” band (3550-3700 MHz) identified by PCAST and NTIA, whileTier 2 and 3 are regulated under a new Citizens Broadband Radio Service(CBRS). CBSDs (Citizens Broadband radio Service Devices—in effect,wireless access points) 206 (FIG. 2) can only operate under authority ofa centralized Spectrum Access System (SAS) 202. Rules are optimized forsmall-cell use, but also accommodate point-to-point andpoint-to-multipoint, especially in rural areas.

Under the FCC system, the standard SAS 202 includes the followingelements: (1) CBSD registration; (2) interference analysis; (3)incumbent protection; (4) PAL license validation; (5) CBSD channelassignment; (6) CBSD power limits; (7) PAL protection; and (8)SAS-to-SAS coordination. As shown in FIG. 2, these functions areprovided for by, inter alia, an incumbent detection (i.e., environmentalsensing) function 207 configured to detect use by incumbents, and anincumbent information function 209 configured to inform the incumbentwhen use by another user occurs. An FCC database 211 is also provided,such as for PAL license validation, CBSD registration, and otherfunctions.

An optional Domain Proxy (DP) 208 is also provided for in the FCCarchitecture. Each DP 208 includes: (1) SAS interface GW includingsecurity; (2) directive translation between CBSD 206 and domaincommands; (3) bulk CBSD directive processing; and (4) interferencecontribution reporting to the SAS.

A domain is defined is any collection of CBSDs 206 that need to begrouped for management; e.g.: large enterprises, venues, stadiums, trainstations. Domains can be even larger/broader in scope, such as forexample a terrestrial operator network. Moreover, domains may or may notuse private addressing. A Domain Proxy (DP) 208 can aggregate controlinformation flows to other SAS, such as e.g., a Commercial SAS (CSAS,not shown), and generate performance reports, channel requests,heartbeats, etc.

CBSDs 206 can generally be categorized as either Category A or CategoryB. Category A CBSDs have an EIRP or Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Powerof 30 dBm (1 Watt)/10 MHz, fixed indoor or outdoor location (with anantenna <6 m in length if outdoor). Category B CBSDs have 47 dBm EIRP(50 Watts)/10 MHz, and fixed outdoor location only. Professionalinstallation of Category B CBSDs is required, and the antenna must beless than 6 m in length. All CBSD's have a vertical positioning accuracyrequirement of +/−3 m. Terminals (i.e., user devices akin to UE) have 23dBm EIRP (0.2 Watts)/10 MHz requirements, and mobility of the terminalsis allowed.

In terms of spectral access, CBRS utilizes a time division duplex (TDD)multiple access architecture.

Idle CBRS CPE—

In the extant CBRS architectures, the aforementioned Spectrum AccessSystem (SAS) serves as an automated frequency coordinator across theCBRS band(s). Particularly, CBRS systems have a frequency coordinationmodel wherein a centralized SAS node performs frequency coordination andassignment to Citizen Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs), and suchassignments or “grants” may be revoked in favor of e.g., incumbent orother uses. While the role of the SAS is to optimize frequency uses andallow maximum capacity for PAL and GAA frequency bands, sometimes itcannot assign a frequency to a CBSD device connected to the network dueto, for example, high co-channel or adjacent interference. In suchcases, a Consumer Premises Equipment (CPE) such as a Fixed WirelessAccess (FWA) device associated with the CBSD cannot receive any signalfrom the CBSD, and hence the CPE becomes idle, and automaticallyterminates its connection with the CBSD. As such, the CPE is effectivelyuseless in terms of providing any meaningful utility to the customer (orservice provider). This can lead to, inter alia, significant userfrustration and loss of “experience,” as well as loss of overall networkcapacity for the service provider. The customer/user may also perceivethe CPE (and supporting service provider) as unreliable.

Accordingly, what is needed are improved apparatus and methods forre-purposing or utilization of such “stranded” or isolated CPE such thatat least some useful application of the CPE can be made during suchperiods of disconnection or isolation. Ideally, such improved apparatusand methods would enable provision of useful services to the customer oruser at least during such periods.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure addresses the foregoing needs by providing, interalia, methods and apparatus for multi-mode service provision within aserved premises.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a method of operating a multi-modeserved CPE (such as e.g., that used with a CBRS FWA device) with awireless network is described. In one embodiment, the method includesutilizing the CPE and associated FWA device as a WLAN extender; e.g., inconjunction with an existing Wi-Fi router which is backhauled by adifferent backhaul modality serving the premises (e.g., DSL, DOCSISmodem or optical fiber), during times when the FWA is unable tocommunicate with a serving CBSD.

In another embodiment, the method includes utilizing the CPE andassociated FWA device as a cellular (e.g., 3GPP LTE/LTE-A/5G NR)extender; e.g., in conjunction with an existing eNB or gNB of a serviceprovider and which is backhauled by a separate backhaul modality (e.g.,optical fiber or mmWave system).

In another aspect, a method for extending range of the signal ofwireless access devices (e.g., Wi-Fi router or LTE eNB/gNB) isdisclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes using an installed CPE(and associated FWA device) to extend wireless signals from the wirelessaccess device to coordinate with the corresponding access device toenable functioning as a repeater for the access device using the same ordifferent frequencies.

In one variant, the method includes configuring the CPE to work as aWi-Fi signal extender to extend the Wi-Fi signal broadcast from a Wi-Firouter inside of the served premises or venue to the outside of thepremises or venue via the FWA antenna system (e.g., roof-mounted antennaelement(s)) via unlicensed (e.g., 2.5 GHz or 5 GHz) emissions. In oneimplementation, the CPE is connected to the Wi-Fi router via a cablelink and network protocol (e.g., Ethernet or similar), and the CPE andits connected FWA use the Wi-Fi router (and its backhaul, such as DSL,optical fiber, etc.) as its backhaul to external networks such as theInternet. In one particular implementation, the router exchanges theSSID and operating channels with the CPE; the CPE broadcasts the sameSSID used by the Wi-Fi router. The frequencies used by the CPE (andconnected FWA) may be the same as those used by the router (employinge.g., collision detection mitigation mechanisms as prescribed in theWi-Fi standards), or different frequencies may be used.

In another variant, the method includes configuring the CPE to work asan LTE signal repeater to extend the LTE signal connectivity with aserving eNB/gNB. In one implementation, the CPE measures all basestation and sector signals received at the CPE (i.e., FWA receiver), andselects the base station and/or sector that has the best putativeperformance (e.g., highest RSRP, or best measured data performance suchas vi an indigenous iPerf process executing on the CPE or on a connectedmobile device).

In another implementation, the base station allocates specified airinterface and resource to the CPE, for the transmission and reception ofthe data to/from the UEs inside the prescribed premises or venue.

In another variant, the method configures the CPE to work as CBRS basestation for all cellular client devices or UEs (e.g., smartphones ortablets associated with a prescribed premises or venue. The CPE (via theconnected FWA) communicates to a serving CBSD for the transmission orreception of data to the e.g., cellular client devices of the prescribedpremises or venue, which may be either indoor or outdoor.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a method of operating a premiseswireless apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes:utilizing a first wireless interface of the premises wireless apparatusas a wireless backhaul for one or more computerized devices of thepremises to at least one base station; and based at least on a loss orincipient loss of connection on the first wireless interface during saidutilizing, causing the premises wireless apparatus to operate as anextension access point for at least one of the one or more computerizeddevices, the operation as an extension comprising utilizing a secondwireless interface of the premises wireless apparatus.

In one variant of the method, the utilizing the first wireless interfacecomprises transmitting signals within a frequency range between 3.550and 3.70 GHz inclusive, and wherein the at least one base stationcomprises a CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) compliant CBSD(Citizens Broadband radio Service Device).

In another variant, the at least one base station and the premiseswireless apparatus utilize 3GPP-compliant 5G NR-U (Fifth Generation NewRadio—Unlicensed) air interface technology for said backhaul.

In a further variant, the causing the premises wireless apparatus tooperate as an extension access point for at least one of the one or morecomputerized devices, the operation as an extension comprising utilizinga second wireless interface of the premises wireless apparatus,comprises configuring the premises wireless apparatus to extend thesignals from an IEEE Std. 802.11-compliant wireless access point (AP) orrouter to one or more areas outside of a structure on the premises via aone or more antenna elements mounted externally to or on the structure.

In one implementation thereof, the premises wireless apparatus isconnected to the wireless AP or router via a cable link, and the methodfurther comprises using the AP or router to access the Internet via aservice provider modem, and the method further includes: sending datarelating to at least one of (i) an SSID, or (ii) one or more operatingchannels, to the premises wireless apparatus; and utilizing the at leastone of the SSID or one or more operating channels in duringtransmissions from the premises wireless apparatus.

In another variant of the method, the causing the premises wirelessapparatus to operate as an extension access point for at least one ofthe one or more computerized devices, the operation as an extensioncomprising utilizing a second wireless interface of the premiseswireless apparatus, comprises configuring the premises wirelessapparatus to extend the signals from an IoT gateway apparatus or routerassociated therewith to one or more areas outside of a structure on thepremises via a one or more antenna elements mounted externally to or onthe structure in order to serve one or more IoT sensors mounted externalto the structure.

In yet a further variant, the method further comprises receiving from anetwork process in data communication with the premises wirelessapparatus, data indicative of the loss or incipient loss of connectionon the first wireless interface during said utilizing prior to anyactual loss of the connection. In one implementation, the received dataindicative of the loss or incipient loss of connection on the firstwireless interface during said utilizing is transmitted from the networkprocess to the premises wireless apparatus via the connection prior tothe actual loss thereof.

In another implementation, the received data indicative of the loss orincipient loss of connection on the first wireless interface during saidutilizing is transmitted from the network process to the premiseswireless apparatus in response to a spectrum grant withdrawal by a CBRS(Citizens Broadband Radio Service) SAS (spectrum allocation system).

In another variant of the method, the method further comprisingutilizing premises wireless apparatus to transmit or receive signalsto/from at least one mobile client device at the premises prior to saidloss of said connection, the transmission or reception of the signalsto/from the at least one mobile client device conducted according to a3GPP LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 5G NR (New Radio) air interfacetechnology standard and utilizing an unlicensed or quasi-licensedspectrum.

In another embodiment, the method comprising: utilizing a first wirelessinterface of the premises wireless apparatus as a wireless backhaul forone or more computerized devices of the premises to at least one basestation; and based at least on a loss or incipient loss of connection onthe first wireless interface during said utilizing, causing the premiseswireless apparatus to operate as an extension access point for acellular base station with which the premises wireless apparatus canestablish a connection.

In one variant of this embodiment, the at least one base stationcomprises a CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) compliant CBSD(Citizens Broadband radio Service Device); the CBSD and the premiseswireless apparatus utilize 3GPP-compliant LTE or 5G NR (Fifth GenerationNew Radio) air interface technology for said backhaul, the CBSD andpremises wireless apparatus operating within a frequency range between3.550 and 3.70 GHz inclusive for said backhaul, and the cellular basestation and the premises wireless apparatus utilize 3GPP-compliant LTEor 5G NR (Fifth Generation New Radio) air interface technology operatingwithin a licensed cellular band for said connection.

In one implementation, the method further comprises using the premiseswireless apparatus to measure a plurality of signals received from aplurality of respective cellular base stations, and selecting the atleast one base station for said extension based at least on one or moreparameters associated with the plurality of signals received.

For instance, the selecting can be based at least on the one or moreparameters comprises selecting the at least one base station based onhighest RSRP.

In another implementation, the selecting the at least one base stationcauses the at least one base station to allocate specified resources tothe premises wireless apparatus.

In another aspect, a computerized premises wireless apparatus configuredto operate in a plurality of functional modes is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the premises wireless apparatus comprising: a first wirelessinterface; a second wireless interface: processor apparatus in datacommunication with the first wireless interface and the second wirelessinterface: and storage apparatus in data communication with theprocessor apparatus and comprising a storage medium, the storage mediumcomprising at least one computer program.

In one variant, the at least one computer program is configured to, whenexecuted by the processor apparatus: enable operation of thecomputerized premises wireless apparatus in a first mode, the first modecomprising a mode wherein the first wireless interface is used as abackhaul for the computerized premises wireless apparatus; and enableoperation of the computerized premises wireless apparatus in a secondmode, the second mode comprising a mode wherein the first wirelessinterface is inoperative as a backhaul for the computerized premiseswireless apparatus, and the second wireless apparatus is used as anextension for a wireless-enabled device in data communication with thecomputerized premises wireless apparatus.

In one implementation, the first wireless interface comprises a3GPP-compliant Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 5GNR (New Radio) wirelessinterface configured to enable operation within a frequency rangebetween 3.550 and 3.70 GHz inclusive for communication with a CBRS(Citizens Broadband Radio Service) compliant CBSD (Citizens Broadbandradio Service Device) acting as said backhaul; the wireless-enableddevice comprises a premises wireless LAN (WLAN) router operating inaccordance with IEEE Std. 802.11 and operating in an unlicensedfrequency band; and the second wireless interface comprises an interfaceoperating in accordance with IEEE Std. 802.11 in the unlicensedfrequency band.

In another implementation, the first wireless interface comprises a3GPP-compliant Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 5GNR (New Radio) wirelessinterface configured to enable operation within a frequency rangebetween 3.550 and 3.70 GHz inclusive for communication with a CBRS(Citizens Broadband Radio Service) compliant CBSD (Citizens Broadbandradio Service Device) acting as said backhaul; the wireless-enableddevice comprises at least one 3GPP-compliant Long Term Evolution (LTE)or 5G NR (New Radio) cellular base station operating in a licensedfrequency band; and the second wireless interface comprises a3GPP-compliant Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 5G NR (New Radio) interfaceoperating in the licensed band.

In yet another implementation, the first wireless interface comprises a3GPP-compliant Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 5G NR (New Radio) wirelessinterface configured to enable operation within a frequency rangebetween 3.550 and 3.70 GHz inclusive for communication with a CBRS(Citizens Broadband Radio Service) compliant CBSD (Citizens Broadbandradio Service Device) acting as said backhaul; the wireless-enableddevice comprises at least one 3GPP-compliant Long Term Evolution (LTE)or 5G NR (New Radio) cellular base station operating in a licensedfrequency band; and the second wireless interface comprises a3GPP-compliant Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 5G NR (New Radio) interfaceoperating in an unlicensed or quasi-licensed band.

In a further implementation, the first wireless interface comprises a3GPP-compliant Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 5G NR (New Radio) wirelessinterface configured to enable operation within a frequency rangebetween 3.550 and 3.70 GHz inclusive for communication with a CBRS(Citizens Broadband Radio Service) compliant CBSD (Citizens Broadbandradio Service Device) acting as said backhaul; the wireless-enableddevice comprises at least one 3GPP-compliant Long Term Evolution (LTE)or 5G NR (New Radio) cellular base station operating in a licensedfrequency band; and the second wireless interface comprises a3GPP-compliant Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 5G NR (New Radio) interfaceoperating in the licensed band.

In another aspect, a network architecture for delivery of wireless datato at least one fixed wireless receiver apparatus (e.g., CBRS FWA) isdisclosed. In one embodiment, the network architecture includes: aplurality of wireless base stations; a computerized network controllerin data communication with the plurality of base stations; at least onefixed wireless receiver apparatus; at least one computerized premisesdevice in data communication with the at least one fixed wirelessreceiver; at least one wireless access point or router; and acomputerized backhaul premises in communication with wireless accesspoint. In one variant, the fixed wireless receiver apparatus includes aCPE device which is logically communicative with one of the plurality ofbase stations or at least one wireless access point, extending thesignal range of the plurality of the base stations or the at leastwireless access point.

In another aspect, a wireless premises device is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the device includes a CBRS (Citizens Broadband RadioService)-compliant FWA that is capable of data communication with one ormore 3GPP compliant eNB or gNB or CBSD/xNB within CBRS frequency bands,and with an 802.11 compliant Wi-Fi access point or router. In oneembodiment, the FWA/CPE includes client manager/logic for, inter alia,configuring it in one of a plurality of operating modes; e.g., for arepeater mode, an extender mode, and a base station mode.

In one variant, the FWA apparatus comprises a premises device associatedwith a network operator (e.g., MSO) that is configured to communicatewirelessly with one or more CBSD/xNB devices to obtain high-speed dataservices from the CBSD/xNB and the MSO. In one implementation, the FWAapparatus is configured to operate at a sufficiently high power level soas to be classified as a Category B CBSD CBRS device, and is mounted onthe user's premises so as to enable the aforementioned backhaul for WLANor wireline interfaces within the premises.

In another variant, the FWA apparatus comprises a premises deviceassociated with a network operator (e.g., MSO) that is configured tocommunicate via a cable link to one wireless access point to obtainhigh-speed data services when its primary backhaul is disabled orinoperative, and uses the wireless access point to connect to a backhaulvia the cable link.

In one implementation, the FWA apparatus is configured to extend theWi-Fi signal from the inside of the user's premises to the outside ofuser's premises.

In yet another variant, the FWA apparatus comprises a premises deviceoperated by a network operator (e.g., MSO) that is configured tocommunicate wirelessly with one or more of a plurality of MNO-operatedcellular base stations, obtaining high-speed data services therefrom oneor more base stations, and providing high-speed data service to theclient devices at the user's premises using the base stations asbackhaul.

In an additional aspect of the disclosure, computer readable apparatusis described. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a storage mediumconfigured to store one or more computer programs, such as a multi-modeselection module of the above-mentioned FWA. In another embodiment, theapparatus includes a program memory or HDD or SDD on a computerizednetwork controller device, such as an MSO DP (domain proxy) or networkcontroller server.

In another aspect, methods and apparatus for allocating functionalitybased on available bandwidth on a backhaul is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the methods and apparatus are configured to determine anavailable type and/or capacity of backhaul which is then currentlyoperational, and based at least on the determination, select one or morefunctional modes of the CPE for operation, including utilization of theavailable backhaul. In one variant, the available backhaul is alower-bandwidth connection such as DSL, and the methods and apparatusare configured to select an IoT or WLAN mode of operation for the CPE.

In a further aspect, methods and apparatus for extending wirelesscoverage area using a CPE are disclosed. In one embodiment, the CPEincludes a fixed wireless access apparatus of a premises, and theextension for wireless coverage is for one of more of (i) existing WLANcoverage; (ii) existing IoT coverage, and/or (iii) existing cellularcoverage.

In another aspect, methods and apparatus for extending licensed wirelesscoverage area using a CPE and unlicensed spectrum are disclosed. In oneembodiment, the CPE includes a fixed wireless access apparatus of apremises, and the extension for wireless coverage is for existingcellular coverage that utilizes licensed spectrum; unlicensed orquasi-licensed spectrum is used for the “last mile” of extension (i.e.,by the CPE) at the premises.

In another aspect, methods and apparatus for providing premises backhauland unlicensed/quasi-licensed mobile device coverage are disclosed. Inone embodiment, an FWA CPE is used to both establish a wireless backhaulbetween the premises and one or more serving base stations, and providepremises coverage for mobile devices such as 3GPP-compliant UE's of thecustomer. In one variant, both the backhaul and the premises coverageutilize CBRS spectrum granted by a SAS. In another variant, the backhauluses CBRS spectrum, and the premises coverage uses unlicensed spectrum(e.g., NR-U or other).

These and other aspects shall become apparent when considered in lightof the disclosure provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graphical illustration of prior art CBRS (Citizens BroadbandRadio Service) users and their relationship to allocated frequencyspectrum in the 3.550 to 3.700 GHz band.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a general CBRS system, SAS and DParchitecture according to the prior art.

FIG. 2A is a graphical representation of allocations for PAL versus GAAusers within the frequency bands of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of amulti-mode CPE configured to operate with CBSD signals, including as aCBRS base station, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating a second exemplary embodiment ofa multi-mode CPE configured as a premises Wi-Fi extender, according tothe present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating a third exemplary embodiment ofa multi-mode CPE configured as a 3GPP (e.g., LTE) signal repeater for abase station (e.g., xNB) according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C is a block diagram illustrating a fourth exemplary embodiment ofa multi-mode CPE configured as a 3GPP (e.g., LTE) femtocell or HNBaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4D is a block diagram illustrating a fifth exemplary embodiment ofa multi-mode CPE configured as a premises IoT (Internet of Things)extender, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a logical flow diagram of the exemplary embodiment of ageneral method for operating a multi-mode CPE according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5A is a logical flow diagram of an exemplary implementation of thegeneralized method of FIG. 5, specifically for using a multi-mode CPE asa Wi-Fi extender.

FIG. 5B is a logical flow diagram of an exemplary implementation of thegeneralized method of FIG. 5, specifically for using a multi-mode CPE asan IoT extender.

FIG. 5C is a logical flow diagram of an exemplary implementation of thegeneralized method of FIG. 5, specifically for using a multi-mode CPE asa cellular base station (e.g., xNB) extender.

FIG. 5D is a logical flow diagram of the exemplary embodiment of ageneral method for operating an extender-enabled WLAN router or APaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a ladder diagram illustrating one embodiment of a multi-modeCPE registration, authentication and connection protocol for using theCPE as a Wi-Fi extender in pass-through mode, according to thedisclosure.

FIG. 6B is a ladder diagram illustrating one embodiment of a multi-modeCPE registration, authentication and connection protocol for using theCPE as a Wi-Fi extender and WLAN AP, according to the disclosure.

FIG. 6C is a ladder diagram illustrating one embodiment of a multi-modeCPE registration, authentication and connection protocol for using theCPE as a cellular (e.g., 3GPP xNB) extender, according to thedisclosure.

FIG. 6D is a ladder diagram illustrating one embodiment of a multi-modeCPE registration, authentication and connection protocol for using theCPE as a femtocell (e.g., HNB), according to the disclosure.

FIG. 6E is a ladder diagram illustrating one embodiment of a multi-modeCPE registration, authentication and connection protocol for using theCPE as an IoT (here, Bluetooth Low Energy or BLE) extender, according tothe disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating one embodiment of anexemplary multi-mode Consumer Premises Equipment (CPE) includingassociated FWA according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating one embodiment of anexemplary WLAN/IoT router apparatus including extender support,according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a first exemplary MSO networkarchitecture useful in conjunction with various principles describedherein.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary MNO networkarchitecture useful in conjunction with various principles describedherein, wherein respective portions of the infrastructure are managed oroperated by the MSO and one or more MNOs.

All figures © Copyright 2019-2020 Charter Communications Operating, LLC.All rights reserved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer tolike parts throughout.

As used herein, the term “access node” refers generally and withoutlimitation to a network node which enables communication between a useror client device and another entity within a network, such as forexample a CBRS CBSD, a cellular xNB, a Wi-Fi AP, or a Wi-Fi-Directenabled client or other device acting as a Group Owner (GO).

As used herein, the term “application” (or “app”) refers generally andwithout limitation to a unit of executable software that implements acertain functionality or theme. The themes of applications vary broadlyacross any number of disciplines and functions (such as on-demandcontent management, e-commerce transactions, brokerage transactions,home entertainment, calculator etc.), and one application may have morethan one theme. The unit of executable software generally runs in apredetermined environment; for example, the unit could include adownloadable Java Xlet™ that runs within the JavaTV™ environment.

As used herein, the term “CBRS” refers without limitation to the CBRSarchitecture and protocols described in Signaling Protocols andProcedures for Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS): Spectrum AccessSystem (SAS)—Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device (CBSD) InterfaceTechnical Specification—Document WINNF-TS-0016, Version V1.2.1. 3,January 2018, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and anyrelated documents or subsequent versions thereof.

As used herein, the terms “client device” or “user device” or “UE”include, but are not limited to, set-top boxes (e.g., DSTBs), gateways,modems, personal computers (PCs), and minicomputers, whether desktop,laptop, or otherwise, and mobile devices such as handheld computers,PDAs, personal media devices (PMDs), tablets, “phablets”, smartphones,and vehicle infotainment systems or portions thereof.

As used herein, the term “computer program” or “software” is meant toinclude any sequence or human or machine cognizable steps which performa function. Such program may be rendered in virtually any programminglanguage or environment including, for example, C/C++, Fortran, COBOL,PASCAL, assembly language, markup languages (e.g., HTML, SGML, XML,VoXML), and the like, as well as object-oriented environments such asthe Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), Java™ (includingJ2ME, Java Beans, etc.) and the like.

As used herein, the term “DOCSIS” refers to any of the existing orplanned variants of the Data Over Cable Services InterfaceSpecification, including for example DOCSIS versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.0,3.1 and 4.0.

As used herein, the term “headend” or “backend” refers generally to anetworked system controlled by an operator (e.g., an MSO) thatdistributes programming to MSO clientele using client devices. Suchprogramming may include literally any information source/receiverincluding, inter alia, free-to-air TV channels, pay TV channels,interactive TV, over-the-top services, streaming services, and theInternet.

As used herein, the terms “Internet” and “internet” are usedinterchangeably to refer to inter-networks including, withoutlimitation, the Internet. Other common examples include but are notlimited to: a network of external servers, “cloud” entities (such asmemory or storage not local to a device, storage generally accessible atany time via a network connection, and the like), service nodes, accesspoints, controller devices, client devices, etc.

As used herein, the term “LTE” refers to, without limitation and asapplicable, any of the variants or Releases of the Long-Term Evolutionwireless communication standard, including LTE-U (Long Term Evolution inunlicensed spectrum), LTE-LAA (Long Term Evolution, Licensed AssistedAccess), LTE-A (LTE Advanced), and 4G/4.5G LTE.

As used herein, the term “memory” includes any type of integratedcircuit or other storage device adapted for storing digital dataincluding, without limitation, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, DRAM, SDRAM, DDR/2SDRAM, EDO/FPMS, RLDRAM, SRAM, “flash” memory (e.g., NAND/NOR), 3Dmemory, and PSRAM.

As used herein, the terms “microprocessor” and “processor” or “digitalprocessor” are meant generally to include all types of digitalprocessing devices including, without limitation, digital signalprocessors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computers (RISC),general-purpose (CISC) processors, microprocessors, gate arrays (e.g.,FPGAs), PLDs, reconfigurable computer fabrics (RCFs), array processors,secure microprocessors, and application-specific integrated circuits(ASICs). Such digital processors may be contained on a single unitary ICdie, or distributed across multiple components.

As used herein, the terms “MSO” or “multiple systems operator” refer toa cable, satellite, or terrestrial network provider havinginfrastructure required to deliver services including programming anddata over those mediums.

As used herein, the terms “MNO” or “mobile network operator” refer to acellular, satellite phone, WMAN (e.g., 802.16), or other network serviceprovider having infrastructure required to deliver services includingwithout limitation voice and data over those mediums.

As used herein, the terms “network” and “bearer network” refer generallyto any type of telecommunications or data network including, withoutlimitation, hybrid fiber coax (HFC) networks, satellite networks, telconetworks, and data networks (including MANs, WANs, LANs, WLANs,internets, and intranets). Such networks or portions thereof may utilizeany one or more different topologies (e.g., ring, bus, star, loop,etc.), transmission media (e.g., wired/RF cable, RF wireless, millimeterwave, optical, etc.) and/or communications or networking protocols(e.g., SONET, DOCSIS, IEEE Std. 802.3, ATM, X.25, Frame Relay, 3GPP,3GPP2, LTE/LTE-A/LTE-U/LTE-LAA, 5G NR, WAP, SIP, UDP, FTP, RTP/RTCP,H.323, etc.).

As used herein, the term “network interface” refers to any signal ordata interface with a component or network including, withoutlimitation, those of the FireWire (e.g., FW400, FW800, etc.), USB (e.g.,USB 2.0, 3.0. OTG), Ethernet (e.g., 10/100, 10/100/1000 (GigabitEthernet), 10-Gig-E, etc.), MoCA, Coaxsys (e.g., TVnet™), radiofrequency tuner (e.g., in-band or OOB, cable modem, etc.),LTE/LTE-A/LTE-U/LTE-LAA, Wi-Fi (802.11), WiMAX (802.16), Z-wave, PAN(e.g., 802.15), or power line carrier (PLC) families.

As used herein the terms “5G” and “New Radio (NR)” refer withoutlimitation to apparatus, methods or systems compliant with 3GPP Release15, and any modifications, subsequent Releases, or amendments orsupplements thereto which are directed to New Radio technology, whetherlicensed or unlicensed.

As used herein, the term “QAM” refers to modulation schemes used forsending signals over e.g., cable or other networks. Such modulationscheme might use any constellation level (e.g. QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM,256-QAM, etc.) depending on details of a network. A QAM may also referto a physical channel modulated according to the schemes.

As used herein, the term “SAS (Spectrum Access System)” refers withoutlimitation to one or more SAS entities which may be compliant with FCCPart 96 rules and certified for such purpose, including (i) Federal SAS(FSAS), (ii) Commercial SAS (e.g., those operated by private companiesor entities), and (iii) other forms of SAS.

As used herein, the term “server” refers to any computerized component,system or entity regardless of form which is adapted to provide data,files, applications, content, or other services to one or more otherdevices or entities on a computer network.

As used herein, the term “storage” refers to without limitation computerhard drives, DVR device, memory, RAID devices or arrays, optical media(e.g., CD-ROMs, Laserdiscs, Blu-Ray, etc.), or any other devices ormedia capable of storing content or other information.

As used herein, the term “users” may include without limitation endusers (e.g., individuals, whether subscribers of the MSO network, theMNO network, or other), the receiving and distribution equipment orinfrastructure such as a FWA/CPE or CBSD, venue operators, third partyservice providers, or even entities within the MSO itself (e.g., aparticular department, system or processing entity).

As used herein, the term “Wi-Fi” refers to, without limitation and asapplicable, any of the variants of IEEE Std. 802.11 or related standardsincluding 802.11 a/b/g/n/s/v/ac/ad/ax/b a or 802.11-2012/2013,802.11-2016, as well as Wi-Fi Direct (including inter alia, the “Wi-FiPeer-to-Peer (P2P) Specification”, incorporated herein by reference inits entirety).

As used herein, the term “wireless” means any wireless signal, data,communication, or other interface including without limitation Wi-Fi,Bluetooth/BLE, 3GPP/3GPP2, HSDPA/HSUPA, TDMA, CBRS, CDMA (e.g., IS-95A,WCDMA, etc.), FHSS, DSSS, GSM, PAN/802.15, WiMAX (802.16), 802.20,Zigbee®, Z-wave, narrowband/FDMA, OFDM, PCS/DCS,LTE/LTE-A/LTE-U/LTE-LAA, 5G NR, LoRa, IoT-NB, SigFox, analog cellular,CDPD, satellite systems, millimeter wave or microwave systems, acoustic,and infrared (i.e., IrDA).

As used herein, the term “xNB” refers to any 3GPP-compliant nodeincluding without limitation eNBs (eUTRAN) and gNBs (5G NR).

Overview

In one salient aspect of the present disclosure, methods and apparatusare provided that enable a CPE (such as for instance an FWA apparatus)to operate in different capacities in different wireless networks withwhich it can connect. In one embodiment, the methods and apparatusutilize quasi-licensed (e.g., CBRS) wireless spectrum as a primarybackhaul to a serving base station (e.g., CBRS CBSD), and may alsooperate in conjunction with (i) a premises Wi-Fi router; (ii) one ormore 3GPP base stations (e.g., 5G gNB or 4G eNB) within wireless rangeof the CPE; and (iii) an IoT gateway or node, for delivery of servicesto a number of users or subscriber premises.

In one variant, the CPE operates normally as a CBRS FWA, with backhaulto a serving CBSD. When that connection fails (due to e.g., spectrumwithdrawal by a SAS), the CPE itself (or under command of a networkcontroller) assumes a secondary role or mode, such as in a Wi-Fi“extender” capacity. In this mode, the CPE extends the Wi-Fi signalbroadcast from an extant router or access point inside a prescribedpremises or venue, such as a house, an apartment building, conferencecenter or hospitality structure (e.g., hotel), to the outside of thepremises or venue, thereby giving the Wi-Fi signals enhanced range andserving more users (which may or may not be associated with thepremises, depending on configuration). The CPE utilizes a secondbackhaul via the router/AP (e.g., DSL modem, DOCSIS modem, mmWavesystem, fiber drop, etc.). In this capacity, the Wi-Fi router/AP mayalso reserve certain backhaul capacity for the transmission/reception ofCPE data to/from the backhaul.

Similarly, in another variant, the CPE may operate as an IoT accesspoint or gateway extender, in generally similar fashion to the WLANextender above. In that IoT signals are typically short range (e.g.,PAN, with much less range than WLAN or cellular), the CPE can extend PANcoverage within the premises (and even to distant portions thereof) viae.g., the roof-mounted FWA apparatus. This functionality is particularlyuseful for, e.g., large industrial or agricultural premises withnumerous IoT sensors (e.g., for pumps, valves, electrical devices, etc.)to enable connectivity therewith, including obviation of intermediarynodes.

In yet another variant, the CPE is configured to operate as a cellular(e.g., 3GPP LTE or 5G NR) signal repeater for a base station (e.g., eNBor gNB); e.g., to enhance base station coverage area including on thepremises. The CPE measures available base station/sector signals, andselects one or more base stations/sectors with the highest measuredsignal. The base station may also be configured to reserve capacity forthe delivery/reception of data to cellular-enabled end user devicesthrough the CPE, such as via a prior existing cooperation agreementbetween the MSO and an MNO.

In the foregoing variants, the CPE may also operate as a CBRS basestation for e.g., 3GPP-enabled devices of the premises (i.e., within anNR-U or CBRS band), with the service backhauled by e.g., a CBSD servingthe CPE.

Moreover, the foregoing functions may be used contemporaneously (incertain compatible combinations) even when the primary backhaul isoperative.

Notably, by providing such alternative functionality to the CPE,including in some cases obviating “truck rolls” by leveraging thespecific attributes of the MSO and non-MSO infrastructure serving orproximate with the premises. In some scenarios, such as in a stronginterference limited environment or in a crowded area where theprovision of primary backhaul to the end user is not possible due to theunavailability of the spectrum, the CPE is configured to assume one ormore alternative role (such as based on user preferences, and/or networkcontroller inputs) to provide service to the end users.

The ability of the MSO, MNO or other entity to use the enhanced CPE indifferent capacities is also advantageously provided, including duringthe initial registration or installation process in which the CPE isunable to establish its primary backhaul (e.g., due to unavailability ofSAS-allocated spectrum).

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

Exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and methods of the presentdisclosure are now described in detail. While these exemplaryembodiments are described in the context of the previously mentioned CPEand wireless access points (e.g., CBSDs) associated with e.g., a managednetwork (e.g., hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable architecture having amultiple systems operator (MSO), digital networking capability, IPdelivery capability, and a plurality of client devices), the generalprinciples and advantages of the disclosure may be extended to othertypes of radio access technologies (“RATs”), networks and architecturesthat are configured to deliver digital data (e.g., text, images, games,software applications, video and/or audio). Such other networks orarchitectures may be broadband, narrowband, or otherwise, the followingtherefore being merely exemplary in nature.

It will also be appreciated that while described generally in thecontext of a network providing service to a customer or consumer or enduser or subscriber (i.e., within a prescribed venue, or other type ofpremises), the present disclosure may be readily adapted to other typesof environments including, e.g., outdoors, commercial/retail, orenterprise domain (e.g., businesses), or even governmental uses, such asthose outside the proscribed “incumbent” users such as U.S. DoD and thelike. Yet other applications are possible.

Also, while certain aspects are described primarily in the context ofthe well-known Internet Protocol (described in, inter alia, InternetProtocol DARPA Internet Program Protocol Specification, IETF RCF 791(September 1981) and Deering et al., Internet Protocol, Version 6 (IPv6)Specification, IETF RFC 2460 (December 1998), each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety), it will beappreciated that the present disclosure may utilize other types ofprotocols (and in fact bearer networks to include other internets andintranets) to implement the described functionality.

Moreover, while the current SAS framework is configured to allocatespectrum in the 3.5 GHz band (specifically 3,550 to 3,700 MHz), it willbe appreciated by those of ordinary skill when provided the presentdisclosure that the methods and apparatus described herein may beconfigured to utilize other “quasi licensed” or other spectrum,including without limitations above 4.0 GHz (e.g., currently proposedallocations up to 4.2 GHz).

Additionally, while described primarily in terms of GAA 106 spectrumallocation (see FIG. 1), the methods and apparatus described herein mayalso be adapted for allocation of other “tiers” of CBRS or otherunlicensed spectrum (whether in relation to GAA spectrum, orindependently), including without limitation e.g., so-called PriorityAccess License (PAL) spectrum 104.

Moreover, while described in the context of quasi-licensed or unlicensedspectrum, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill given thepresent disclosure that various of the methods and apparatus describedherein may be applied to reallocation/reassignment of spectrum orbandwidth within a licensed spectrum context; e.g., for cellular voiceor data bandwidth/spectrum allocation, such as in cases where a givenservice provider must alter its current allocation of available spectrumto users.

Further, while some aspects of the present disclosure are described indetail with respect to so-called “4G/4.5G” 3GPP Standards (akaLTE/LTE-A) and so-called 5G “New Radio” (3GPP Release 15 and TS 38.XXXSeries Standards and beyond), such aspects—includingallocation/use/withdrawal of CBRS spectrum—are generally accesstechnology “agnostic” and hence may be used across different accesstechnologies, and can be applied to, inter alia, any type of P2MP(point-to-multipoint) or MP2P (multipoint-to-point) or Multefiretechnology.

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will immediatelybe recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the art with reference tothe attached drawings and detailed description of exemplary embodimentsas given below.

Multiple—Mode CPE Architecture—

FIG. 3 shows block diagram 300 illustrating one embodiment of amulti-mode CPE architecture according to the present disclosure. In thisarchitecture, the multi-mode CPE/FWA 305 is connected wirelessly to aserving base station (e.g., CBRS CBSD/xNB) 206 for provision of primarybackhaul from the premises to the serving (e.g., MSO) network, notshown. The CPE 305 may also be configured to operate as a local CBRSbase station, such as for the delivery or reception of data to or fromone or more 3GPP-enabled client devices 312, via logic 314 resident withthe CPE. The 3GPP user devices 312 can be inside or outside of theprescribed premises or venue (e.g., houses, apt. building, hospital,etc.).

In operation, the CPE/FWA 305 establishes the primary backhaul to theCBSD 206 via spectrum allocated for this purpose; e.g., via registrationwith a SAS (FIG. 2). In one variant, the same spectrum is utilized forlocal communication with the served user devices 312, albeit at lowerEIRP than that used to communicate with the serving CBSD(s) 206.

In another variant, different spectrum—e.g., NR-U, ISM, C-Band, mmWave(e.g., 24-100 GHz) or other—is used as the basis for CPE-to-user devicecommunication. This utilization may also be according to a prescribedhierarchy or prioritization scheme, such as one which seeks to minimizecost of connection/operation to the user, seeks use of the mostubiquitous air interface/spectrum first, and/or other criteria. Forinstance, it is recognized that many user devices such as mobile devices(e.g., smartphones, tablets, etc.) are capable of both Wi-Fi and 3GPP(e.g., LTE) based communication, in that they include radios for each.For such devices, the cellular interface will include a SIM card, anddepending on the logic connection manager (e.g., application operativeto execute on the mobile device), the mobile device may selectivelyutilize signals/protocols available to it. For instance, in one variant,the presence or absence of a first type of signal at the premises (e.g.,Wi-Fi beacons within a prescribed ISM or unlicensed frequency rangebeing emitted by the CPE acting as a WLAN repeater) will cause themobile device to connect using that air interface protocol and spectrum.Conversely, if the first type of signal is not available (e.g., the CPEis acting as a cellular repeater), but a second type of signal withinthe connection manager hierarchy is available (e.g., the device canlocate a sufficiently strong cellular signal with the assistance of aCPE acting as a cellular repeater), the mobile device will receiveservice from the cellular base station via the CPE repeater.

It will also be recognized that similar logic may be inserted into thevarious embodiments of the CPE apparatus described herein. For example,the CPE apparatus may, upon loss of its primary wireless backhaulconnection to a serving CBSD, opt to first act as a WLAN repeater forthe premises within an ISM or other unlicensed band (since that isostensibly the most ubiquitous and lowest cost option for the users atthe premises), and thereafter act as a cellular repeater forcellular-enabled devices at or near the premises (whether in anunlicensed, quasi-licensed or licensed band depending on limitationsrelating thereto), such as when no viable WLAN connections areestablished within a prescribed period of time. Numerous otherpermutations of the foregoing logic (on both the CPE and mobile devicesides) will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill given the presentdisclosure.

Returning again to FIG. 3, the physical connection 306 between the CPE305 and Wi-Fi router 307 in this configuration exists, and is utilizedto service the premises backhaul (note dotted lines for secondarybackhaul modem 309, indicating non-usage in this configuration). TheWi-Fi router 307 is connected directly or indirectly to the MSO network319 via the cable modem 309, such as via a DOCSIS, DSL, or optical fibermodem 309, such as via a separate service provider network 322 thatultimately connects to the MSO network 319. The Wi-Fi client devices 311are wirelessly connected to the router device 307.

Similarly, the architecture 300 of FIG. 3 includes an IoT (Internet ofThings) gateway function 317—whether standalone as shown, or integratedwith another device such as the router 307—to provide the premises withIoT functionality including Internet connectivity.

For CBRS related functions, the Spectrum Access System (SAS) 202 isconnected to the Internet via the Domain Proxy 208, and the MSO networkcan access the SAS for spectrum grants, registration, etc. As previouslydescribed, the role of the SAS is to manage and assign spectrum on adynamic and as-needed basis across incumbent, PAL and GAA users. Thebase station logic 314 manages all the control signaling and operationthe CPE/FWA device 305 to work as a CBRS base station (as well as a CBRSFWA).

FIG. 4A shows a block diagram 400 illustrating one embodiment of asecond mode of operation for the CPE/FWA 305, wherein it is configuredto operate as a Wi-Fi extender according to the present disclosure. Inthis configuration, the CPE/FWA 305 operates to extend the Wi-Fi signalbroadcasted from the router 307; e.g., from inside a prescribed premisesor venue (e.g., a house or apt building) to the outside of the premisesor venue, such as when the primary backhaul connection is lost due toe.g., SAS spectrum withdrawal or the presence of a high-interferenceenvironment within which the CBSD and/or CPE/FWA is/are unable tooperate (denoted by “X”). As shown, the CPE/FWA 305 is connected to theWi-Fi router 307 via the cable link 306, and the router 307 utilizes its“secondary” backhaul modem 309 to provide Internet connectivity to thepremises, including for the extender 305 and its Wi-Fi clients 311 viathe WLAN extender logic 319 of the CPE/FWA 305 (as well as for the IoTgateway function 317).

In one variant, after the CPE/FWA 305 enters WLAN extender mode (such asbeing triggered by any number of different events or criteria, such aslow or zero iPerf readings on the primary backhaul for an extendedperiod, affirmative communication from the CBSD of impendingloss/withdrawal, communication from a network controller in logicalcommunication with the CPE/FWA, etc.), it signals the router 307 of thesame, and the Wi-Fi router 307 will exchange data which may include therouter's Service Set Identifier (SSID) and current operating channel(s)with the CPE 305. The CPE 305 will store the data and start broadcastingthe same SSID as that of the router 307, which depending on the CPE/FWAplacement may include both outdoors and indoors areas of the premises.In some variants, depending on the co-channel or adjacent interferencelevel, the CPE/FWA can use the same channel(s) as the router 307, oralternatively different channels than those of the router 307. Notably,various versions of IEEE Std. 802.11 also include spectrum access andcollision management mechanisms, such that Wi-Fi clients 311 can selectand utilize the best “AP” (router or CPE/FWA) for their particularcircumstance. The client devices 311 of the CPE/FWA will detect thebroadcast SSID, and start communicating with the CPE 305 for thereception or delivery of data from/to the network.

It will be appreciated that depending on configuration, the CPE/FWA 305may operate in either a “pass through” mode, wherein it basically actsonly as another RF front end for the router (e.g., Layer 1 functionsonly), or an “endpoint” mode, wherein the CPE/FWA is a separate Layer2/3 node for purposes of communication with the router. It will also beappreciated given the present disclosure that any suitable (e.g., Layer2) protocol may be used to enable communication between the CPE/FWA androuter.

FIG. 4B shows a block diagram of another architecture 420 illustratinguse of the CPE/FWA 305 operating as a 3GPP (e.g., LTE or 5G NR) signalrepeater according to the present disclosure. In this configuration, theCPE 305 extends the 3GPP signals of one or more cellular base stationswithin signal range of the CPE/FWA to the premises (including, forexample, enhancement of existing weak cellular signal at the premisesdue to e.g., topography, range, etc.) As shown in FIG. 4B, in this mode,the CPE 305 is not logically connected via a wired link 306 to the Wi-Firouter 307, since it operates as a backhaul for the local 3GPP devices312 at the premises via the cellular base stations 327 (e.g., 3GPP xNBs)it communicates with. In one variant, the CPE-to-user device (e.g.,CPE-to-UE) wireless link utilizes the same licensed spectrum as the linkbetween the 3GPP xNB and the CPE (repeater). In another variant,different spectrum is used for the two links. As previously noted, thepresent disclosure further contemplates combinations of licensed,quasi-licensed, and unlicensed spectrum use for the various links,depending on the particular application and air interface protocolsused.

The cellular base station 327 (eNB/gNB) is operated by a Mobile NetworkOperator network and is connected to an MNO core 323. The CPE 305 in oneembodiment contains one or more SIM (subscriber identity modules) e.g.,associated with one or more wireless service operators. As such, theCPE/FWA 305, when operating in the cellular repeater mode, acts ineffect as a UE (e.g., has an IMEI), and is treated as such by the mobilenetwork with which it connects. In one embodiment discussed in greaterdetail below, after selecting a suitable base station to use as backhaulbased on e.g., best signal strength or RSRP, the CPE 305 will attempt toregister to the MNO network based on appropriate SIM credentials (in oneembodiment, according to the standard 3GPP registration protocol via theRACH), and is authenticated with the provider, wherein RRC ConnectedState is ultimately attained, and data communication between the CPE/FWAand the serving xNB occurs. The CPE 305 is also registered to the MNOCore 323, and as discussed in greater detail below, may be assigneddedicated or semi-dedicated resources or capacity of the serving xNB.

In other embodiments, the CPE/FWA 305 is configured to proceed directlyto connection to a known network (e.g., one associated with a SIM itpossesses which correlates to the known network), including theforegoing authentication. After the authentication by, and registrationwith the provider is successful, the CPE 305 measures all the availablebase station/sector signals available to it via the FWA antenna elements(e.g., roof-mounted or pole-mounted apparatus of the premises), andselects the sector and/or base station with highest Referenced SignalReceived Power (RSRP) to connect with. After the CPE 305 selects andestablishes a connection with the “best” base station available, itregisters with the MNO network core 323 (indicating that it is nowoperative as a backhaul/extender), and starts transacting data betweenits served UEs 312 and the base station 327.

In one embodiment, the connected CPE/FWA 305 is treated by the servingxNB (and core 323) as merely another UE, and hence is given no specificprivilege or allocation of resources. This approach has the advantage ofobviating any particular modifications or accommodations within the MNOinfrastructure to enable its xNBs to serve as backhaul for MSOCPE/repeaters.

However, in other approaches, the MNO and MSO may cooperate, or the MNOcore may be otherwise configured such that MSO CPE 305 acting asextenders are provided a separate status or treatment. For instance, inone such implementation, the CPE 305 signals to the connected xNB 327(such as via existing or added protocol messages) that it is operatingas an MSO extender; this data is passed to the MNO core 323 and utilizedthereby to signal the connected xNB 327 to implement one or moreextender-specific schemes of operation. For instance, one such schememight be simply to reserve a prescribed amount of capacity or bandwidthfor the CPE 305 (based on the assumption that the CPE, acting as anextender and backhaul for the premises which has presumably lost itsprimary backhaul, will consume a prescribed amount of bandwidth). Inother schemes, the CPE 305 may be given a different priority withrespect to resources or other functions as compared to other non-CPE UEs(e.g., mobile users unassociated with the premises).

It will be appreciated that the present disclosure contemplates multipledifferent mobile device (e.g., UE) configurations for accessing thevarious networks with which it may communicate. For instance, in onesuch scenario, the UE utilizes credentials (e.g., via an installed SIMcard, SE (Secure Element), or other such approach) associated with thehost MNO with which the UE is ultimately connecting; i.e., the CPE actsas a pass-through for authentication data negotiated between the UE (SIMor SE) and the MNO network authentication functions, as forwarded by theCPE (and MNO xNB to which it connects as a repeater). Access to thepass-through or repeater function of the CPE may be unauthenticated or“open” in nature (e.g., any valid MNO subscriber may use the CPE as arepeater regardless of whether they are an MSO subscriber or not), oralternatively the UE or its user may be required to authenticate to theMSO network before it can access the xNB repeater functionality (such asby either a separate SIM/SE; e.g., dual-SIM configuration, oralternatively the user registering the MNO SIM/SE with the MSO, suchthat the MSO network can use the MNO SIM/SE data from the UE tocross-reference an MSO database of valid MSO subscribers with registeredMNO UE). Yet other mechanisms for authenticating the UE/user to the MSOnetwork prior to CPE repeater function access may also be used (i.e.,non-SIM/SE based approaches), such as username/password prompt andentry, MAC data of the specific UE registered with the MSO, or other).

Alternatively, the UE may utilize an MSO-specific SIM/SE to authenticateto the CPE (acting as the xNB repeater), and the CPE maintains separatecredentials to authenticate itself to the MNO network. For instance, theMNO and MSO may have a cooperative arrangement wherein the MSO's CPEeach or collectively have a “subscription” to the MNO network, such thata CPE failing over from normal operation to the xNB/cellular repeatermode of operation appears to the xNB to which it can connect as merelyanother UE of sorts, albeit passing the UE's user plane signals to thexNB.

FIG. 4C is a block diagram illustrating a fourth exemplary embodiment ofa multi-mode CPE configured as a 3GPP (e.g., LTE) femtocell or HNBaccording to the present disclosure. As shown, the CPE/FWA 305 in thisarchitecture 440 acts as a femtocell or “home node B” (HNB) when forexample its primary backhaul is lost. As such, the CPE 305 can provide3GPP connectivity and backhaul to the local devices 312 (e.g., UEs) viathe secondary backhaul/modem 309 of the premises, out to the Internet orother internetwork, and ultimately to the MNO core. HNB logic 343 on theCPE is utilized to effect HNB-type operation of the CPE with the servedUE 312. Here, the CPE 305 acts completely as a pass-through entity,since the UE SIM is utilized to communicate with the MNO core 323 forauthentication, registration, and other functions. As with the WLANextender mode described above (FIG. 4A), the router 307 may also beconfigured to, upon signaling from the CPE 305 or other mechanism,reserve capacity or other resources for the CPE 305 when in femtocellmode, such that the CPE (femtocell) is not starved of bandwidth orsubject to excessive latency when the router is serving WLAN clients 311and the femtocell is operative for 3GPP UE clients 312.

FIG. 4D is a block diagram illustrating a fifth exemplary embodiment ofa multi-mode CPE configured as a premises IoT (Internet of Things)extender, according to the present disclosure. As shown, thearchitecture 460 of FIG. 4D operates in generally similar fashion tothat of FIG. 4A (WLAN), with the exception that the underlying airinterface(s) are different (e.g., PAN versus LAN), and may include forexample Bluetooth/BLE, IEEE Std. 802.15.4, LoRaWAN, or other (includingmultiple ones of the foregoing or others, if compatible to operatecontemporaneously). The CPE uses IoT extension logic 353 to controloperation of the one or more IoT interfaces for communication with oneor more IoT client devices 317, including trading off of interfacesdepending on the IoT functionality desired at any given time. Dependingon configuration and desired applications, the CPE 305 may also subsumethe IoT gateway function internally as well (i.e., operate as an IoTgateway and include IoT air interfaces). One salient advantage of usingthe CPE/FWA 305 as an IoT extender is coverage area; since the FWAantenna is e.g., roof- or pole-mounted, it provides significantenhancement in coverage and range over a typical IoT gateway orinterface, including to distant outdoor applications such as industrialor agricultural sensors. As such, the present disclosure is compatiblewith such implementations as described in co-owned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/675,098 filed Nov. 5, 2019 entitled “WIRELESSENABLED DISTRIBUTED DATA APPARATUS AND METHODS”, and issued as U.S. Pat.No. 11,374,779 on Jun. 28, 2022, incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

Methods—

Referring now to FIG. 5, one embodiment of the general methodology 500of using a multi-mode CPE/FWA according to the present disclosure isshown and described. It will be appreciated that while described in theexemplary context of a CBRS-based system with SAS 202, CBSD/xNBs 206,database 211, DP 208 and CPE 305, as previously described, themethodology 500 is in no way so limited.

At step 503 of the method 500, a CPE/FWA 305 attempts connection to aserving CBSD 206. Depending on whether the CBSD is assigned a frequencyor not (or has an impending loss of spectrum grant), per step 505, theCPE will proceed to steps 507, 509, or 511, as described below. A numberof scenarios may exist for the CPE/CBSD. For instance, in one scenario,the CPE attempts to connect to the CBSD, and the connection to the CBSDis established, and the CPE/CBSD operate to provide normal backhaulfunctionality per step 511.

In another scenario, the connection attempt fails due to, e.g., the CBSDnot having a then-valid spectrum grant from the SAS, or the CBSD isaware of an incipient withdrawal of a grant currently being used (andrejects the CPE connection request so as to avoid a connection/immediatedisconnection scenario).

Alternatively, the CPE and CBSD may already be connected, but thespectrum utilized is withdrawn (due to e.g., interferenceconsiderations, incumbent usage, or other) and no substitute orreplacement grant is imminent.

Hence, per step 505, when no connection can be established/maintainedper steps 503, 505, the CPE/FWA 305 implements decision logic at step506, the logic configured to determine one of a plurality of alternatemodes under which the CPE/FWA may be utilized (e.g., FIGS. 4A-4D supra).As shown, the CPE/FWA may enter one or more modes (depending onconfiguration and capabilities of the device) including: 1) as aWLAN/PAN extender (step 509); 2) as a cellular repeater or extender(step 507), and/or 3) as a femtocell/HNB (step 513).

In one variant, the decision logic is “hard coded” into the firmware ofthe CPE/FWA 305 by the MSO prior to or at installation, and the CPE/FWAoperates autonomously using such logic (and input data it receives, suchas relating to loss of the primary backhaul connection, presence of aWLAN router 307 and/or IoT gateway function within the premises andconnected thereto, BLE device inquiries received, 3GPP UE RACH orsimilar attempts, or yet other data) to decide which mode to utilize atany given point in time. In another configuration (see discussion ofFIGS. 9 and 10 presented subsequently herein), the CPE/FWA decisionlogic 506 is at least partly controlled or configured by a network-basedcontroller process, such as one maintained by the MSO. Upon incipientloss of the primary backhaul, the controller process may signal theCPE/FWA at the premises to implement one or more logical constructs,depending on data the network process may obtain from the premises,and/or data from other sources such as operating MNOs in the area,presence of IoT sensors at the premises being monitored by a third party(e.g., utility or agricultural concern monitoring the IoT sensors), etc.

Even after the primary backhaul is compromised, such MSO network processcan communicate with the CPE via the secondary backhaul/service providernetwork (see FIG. 3), such as via the modem 309. For instance, in onevariant, the CPE/FWA 305 is configured to first “fail over” to the WLANrouter extender mode or other mode whereby the CPE/FWA can receivemessaging from the network process via the service providernetwork/modem. Based on such data, the CPE/FWA can then assume a role ormode as directed by the network, or implement yet other logic asdirected.

It will be appreciated that the present disclosure also contemplatesdynamic utilization of one or more modes of the CPE/FWA 305.Specifically, the decision logic 506 may be configured to enable theCPE//FWA to 1) assume two or more modes simultaneously, wherein the twoor modes are compatible and can be supported by the CPE/FWA andsupporting infrastructure, or 2) switch between two or modes based onchanging conditions or demand. For example 33, simultaneous operation ofthe CPE/FWA as a WLAN extender (e.g., in a 5 GHz mode) as well as a BLEor Zigbee or LoRaWAN extender (2.4 GHz, 900 MHz, etc.) may be supported,as may say tandem operation of the CPE/FWA as a 3GPP femtocell and as aBLE extender. To the degree that all BLE or 3GPP or WLAN demand dropsoff at the premises, the CPE/FWA may dynamically change modes as neededto support extant requests for service. Likewise, the CPE/FWA decisionlogic 506 may be configured to implement certain prescribed schedulesand/or priorities/tiers of service, such as where IoT extender mode isonly utilized late-night (when no other uses are anticipated) to supporte.g., distributed IoT sensor support or long-range, low-bandwidthcommunication such as via LoRaWAN).

Referring to FIG. 5A, one implementation of the method 500 for using amulti-mode CPE (here as a Wi-Fi extender device as in step 509) is shownand described.

At step 515 of the method 509 a, the CPE/FWA enters Wi-Fi extender mode(e.g., via the decision logic 506). The CPE signals the router 307 (FIG.4A) of this mode change.

Per step 517, the Wi-Fi router exchanges operating data (e.g., its SSIDand the operating channels used) with the CPE/FWA 305.

Next, per step 519, the CPE selects either the same or a differentchannel(s) than the Wi-Fi router 307. Such selection may be made basedon data provided by the router (e.g., a directive to utilize the same ordifferent RF carriers, or by internal extender mode logic of the CPE/FWAitself (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

Next, per step 521, the CPE 305 starts transmitting the same SSID as theWi-Fi router on the selected channel(s) so as to advertise itself toWLAN clients 311.

Next, per step 523, the CPE receives authentication and connectionrequests from one or more Wi-Fi client devices per IEEE Std. 802.11protocols.

Next per step 525, the Wi-Fi router is sent the authentication andconnection requests (in the proper order) by the CPE. Note that in otherconfigurations, the CPE may be configured to authenticate and connectthe requesting WLAN clients 311 itself locally, and merely use therouter functions of the router (versus WLAN MAC functionality) to accessthe modem 309 and backhaul. Various other configurations will berecognized by those of ordinary skill given the present disclosure.

At step 527, the router 307 responds to the authentication andconnection requests, and if successful per step 529, connects the WLANclients 311 logically to the router 307 for WLAN data backhaul service(with the air interface/PHY functions provided by the CPE/FWA operatingas extender).

Referring to FIG. 5B, one implementation of the method 500 for using amulti-mode CPE (here as an IoT extender device as in step 509) is shownand described.

At step 535 of the method 509 b of FIG. 5B, the CPE/FWA enters IoTextender mode (e.g., via the decision logic 506). The CPE signals therouter 307 (FIG. 4D) of this mode change, which passes the signaling tothe IoT gateway function 313.

Per step 537, the IoT gateway function 313, via the Wi-Fi router,exchanges operating data (e.g., its identifier data and the operatingprotocols/channels used) with the CPE/FWA 305. In that the gatewayfunction may utilize two or more different IoT air interfaces (e.g.,BLE, Zigbee/802.15.4, etc.), the gateway function may identify suchprotocol(s) in use to the CPE/FWA, such that the CPE/FWA can in effectmimic the configuration of the gateway function. Alternatively, theCPE/FWA may assume another configuration, even including one whollydifferent or heterogeneous with that being used by the gateway function313. For example, outdoor longer-range LoRaWAN-based sensors (e.g., forindustrial or agricultural applications) may only be useful inconjunction with the CPE extender 305, whereas the indoor IoT gateway313 may only utilize shorter-range PAN protocols such as Zigbee or BLE.

Next, per step 539, the CPE selects either the same or a differentchannel(s) than the IoT gateway 313. Such selection may be made based ondata provided by the gateway (e.g., a directive to utilize the same ordifferent RF carriers, or by internal extender mode logic of the CPE/FWAitself (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

Next, per step 541, the CPE 305 starts advertisement on the selectedchannel(s) so as to advertise itself to IoT clients 317. Depending onprotocol, this “advertisement” may be a CPE-initiated protocol, aclient-initiated protocol, or yet other approach (see, e.g., theexemplary BLE-based protocol of FIG. 6B)

Next, per step 543, the CPE receives authentication and connectionrequests from one or more IoT client devices per the selected IoT airinterface protocols.

Next per step 545, the gateway 313 (via the Wi-Fi router) is sent theauthentication and connection requests (in the proper order) by the CPE.Note that in other configurations, the CPE may be configured toauthenticate and connect the requesting IoT clients 317 itself locally,and merely use the router functions of the router (versus any IoTgateway MAC or other functionality) to access the modem 309 andbackhaul. Various other configurations will be recognized by those ofordinary skill given the present disclosure.

At step 547, the gateway 313 responds to the authentication andconnection requests, and if successful per step 549, connects the IoTclients 317 logically to the router 307 for IoT data backhaul service(with the air interface/PHY functions provided by the CPE/FWA operatingas extender). The IoT gateway 313 may also consume the transacted IoTclient data from the CPE 305 locally, such as where two premises IoTdevices communicate (e.g., client 317 to gateway 313, or outdoor client317 to another e.g., indoor client 317).

Referring to FIG. 5C, one implementation of the method 500 for using amulti-mode CPE (here as a cellular base station repeater or extenderdevice as in step 507 of FIG. 5) is shown and described.

Per step 553, the CPE enters cellular (e.g., 3GPP compatible) signalrepeater mode.

Next, per step 555, the CPE measures RF signal for all the availablebase stations/sectors accessible to it. As previously referenced,various implementations are possible here. For example, in oneconfiguration, the CPE/FWA 305 may have a priori knowledge of one ormore extant cellular base stations (xNBs) associated with a given MNO,such as via prior connection therewith. The CPE/FWA may also only haveSIM data (e.g., an IMEI) for one MNO. As such, the CPE/FWA logic may beconfigured under one paradigm to attempt authentication and connectionwith that (known) MNO using that SIM data, and thereafter utilizesignals received from the connected xNB(s) to further refine which ofthe xNBs (and or antenna sectors or spatial diversity channels of itsMIMO array if so equipped) it will ultimately use for connection andestablishment of the extender/backhaul functionality.

In an alternative paradigm, the CPE/FWA can be equipped with multipleSIM devices/data, and in effect run through a logic tree to decide whichservice provider/MNO to utilize, including based on considerations suchas available signal strength/bandwidth, cost per minute or per Gb ordata transacted, incentives in place (such as electronic discounts or“coupons” available to the customer by virtue of pre-existing agreementsbetween the customer's MSO and a given MNO), or other. In some suchinstance, the CPE/FWA 305 may have stored data indicative of priorconnections with each MNO (similar to the paradigm described above),such that it in effect knows which MNOs it can viably connect with givenits current geographic location, topology, xNB placements, etc.

However, the present disclosure also contemplates a paradigm wherein theexistence or connectivity to a given MNO is indeterminate (such as forexample at initial install, where the non-volatile memory of the CPE/FWAhas been corrupted, or other), such that the CPE/FWA is effectivelyignorant of connection possibilities. As such, the CPE extender logicmay be configured to perform “blind” scans of one or more radiofrequency bands and/or sectors of its antenna array and, using an energycorrelation function (e.g., one based on Zadoff-Chu CAZAC or similarlogic), obtain data regarding energy density within certaintime/frequency/azimuth resource coordinates, and attempt to effectsubsequent connection based thereon (e.g., by attempting 3GPP RACHprocedures) using one or more of the SIM data.

Returning to FIG. 5C, per step 557, the CPE selects a basestation/sector with the highest RSRP, and connects to the MNO per step559, using a standard RACH procedure, is authenticated, and registers tothe MNO.

Next, per step 561, the connected base station 327 sends a Physical CellIdentity (PCI) to the CPE; this enables the CPE/FWA to in effect mimicitself as the connected xNB. The CPE decodes the PCI at step 563, anduses the identity for subsequent transactions with the UE 312 (e.g., thelatter utilizing a standard 3GPP cell search procedure).

Next, per step 565, the base station 327 may assign air interface (e.g.,time-frequency or other) resources to the CPE/FWA, whether of its ownvolition or based on directive/signaling from the MNO core 323, such asbased on registration of the CPE/FWA as a repeater as describedelsewhere herein (thereby affording it some differentiated status ascompared to any normal UE).

Lastly, per step 567, data is transacted between the base station 327and the CPE/FWA 305, such as based on UE 312 connection with the CPE305, or Wi-Fi router (cable) connection to the CPE.

FIG. 5D is a logical flow diagram of the exemplary embodiment of ageneral method for operating an extender-enabled WLAN router or APaccording to the present disclosure. As shown, the method 550 includestransition from a normal state of router operation (i.e., with theCPE/FWA 305 physically connected, but not utilizing the router for e.g.,backhaul functions) per step 553 to an abnormal or “extender” mode ofoperation per step 555 (e.g., one necessitated by the CPE's loss of itsprimary backhaul with its serving CBSD 206).

Next, per step 557, the router logic (see FIG. 8) determines whether therouter 307 and its associated modem 309 and backhaul have sufficientcapacity to support the CPE extender functionality. This determinationmay be accomplished using any number of approaches, including forexample (i) using data generated by operative iPerf processes or clientsrunning on the router or connected device(s) to determine a relationshipof average/peak bandwidth consumption via the backhaul as compared toits maximum prescribed capacity, (ii) based on historical or predictivedata regarding premises WLAN and/or IoT usage; (iii) based onaffirmative user query/input (e.g., as to prioritization of applicationsor devices then operative and consuming bandwidth via the secondarybackhaul), whether previously input by the user or contemporaneous withthe extender request; and/or (iv) based on data indicating that thesecondary backhaul or its modem 309 are inoperative or in deducedcapacity. It will also be noted that in certain embodiments, theextender report or request from the CPE/FWA 305 may include dataindicative of or characterizing the type and/or magnitude of servicerequired, including known or estimated UL/DL asymmetries, estimated Mbpsfor each link, type of service (e.g., continuous, episodic, etc.). Thisdata may be generated for example by the CPE/FWA logic (see FIG. 7), oreven by a requesting client device to be serviced by the extender (e.g.,an end-user device app which is capable of estimation of its bandwidthor other performance requirements such as QoS or latency.

Then, depending on the router logic analysis per step 557, the requestis either rejected (step 559) or admitted, the latter includingallocation or reservation of backhaul bandwidth per step 561 (such aspacket flow control mechanisms, assignment of certain QoS classificationto the extender data, or other), and subsequent servicing of theextender clients per step 563.

It will also be appreciated that while the methods of FIGS. 5-5Dillustrate utilization of a CPE in different operational modes, suchmethods may also be adapted to implement alternate logic, such as wherefor example the CPE itself determines as a threshold or gating criterionwhether such alternate modes are even required. For example, if thereare other CBSD/xNB 206 in the area in close proximity to the CPE/FWA,the CPE/FWA may attempt to establish communication with a servingneighbor CBSD (including according to a prescribed hierarchy orprotocol, or under direction of a network CBRS controller), such otherCBSD which is currently assigned a valid frequency (and hence ostensiblyavailable for backhaul). If unsuccessful, then the logic may cause theCPE/FWA 305 to fail over to the alternate CPE modes described herein.Similarly, the FWA/CPE logic may be configured to utilize data regardingknown CBSD placements or locations to “beam steer” its MIMO array (ifincluded) towards each of the known CBSD locations successively in orderto ostensibly obtain better signal utilization/path loss with respect tothe various CBSDs to attempt a registration with its associated CBSD.For example, a given CPE/FWA may not know a priori whether its inabilityto connect to its preferred CBSD is due to a spectrum withdrawal,interference, equipment failure, obstruction such as new structure,damage or misalignment of the FWA roof/pole antennae, etc., and hence itcan be programmed to assume that the CBSD is operational, and that thefailure to connect may be correctable via (i) retry of the connectionprotocol; (ii) if failing (i), then “intelligent” azimuth and/orelevation beam steering about the last known coordinates in an attemptto recover sufficient signal strength for a connection.

FIG. 6A is a ladder diagram illustrating an exemplary initialregistration protocol 600 for the multi-mode CPE in Wi-Fi extender modein accordance with the architecture of FIG. 4A (CPE acting as layer 2/3pass-through).

FIG. 6B is a ladder diagram illustrating an exemplary initialregistration protocol 610 for the multi-mode CPE in Wi-Fi extender modein accordance with the architecture of FIG. 4A (CPE acting as an 802.11AAP with layer 2/3 functions).

FIG. 6C is a ladder diagram illustrating an exemplary initialregistration protocol 620 for the multi-mode CPE in 3GPP xNB extendermode in accordance with the architecture of FIG. 4B.

FIG. 6D is a ladder diagram illustrating an exemplary initialregistration protocol 630 for the multi-mode CPE in HNB mode inaccordance with the architecture of FIG. 4C.

FIG. 6E is a ladder diagram illustrating an exemplary initialregistration protocol 640 for the multi-mode CPE in IoT extender mode inaccordance with the architecture of FIG. 4D (here, based on exemplaryBLE IoT protocols).

CPE/FWA Apparatus—

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a CPE/FWA 305 apparatusconfigured to work in multiple modes as previously described in FIGS.3-6E, according to the present disclosure. It will be appreciated thatwhile an embodiment of the CPE/FWA apparatus is shown wherein all of theforegoing functionality is included, the CPE/FWA apparatus may be (i)embodied with lesser or alternate degrees of functionality (e.g., somemay have all functions, such as for a premium subscriber premises, whileothers may have lesser or alternate functions such as based ongeographic location or type of subscription—e.g., enterprise versusresidential); and (ii) the various components and functions may bedivided across two or more physical form factors or discrete devices,such as where part of the functionality is disposed in the FWA “radiohead” apparatus (e.g., pole- or roof-mounted transceiver), and part inthe CPE (indoor device communicate with the FWA radio head, akin to amodem or gateway or DSTB form factor), and even part within therouter/AP 307 or IoT gateway 313.

As shown in FIG. 7, the CPE 305 includes, inter alia, a processorapparatus or CPU 742, a program memory module 754, mass storage 763,radio/CPE controller logic module 759, Wi-Fi extender/repeater logic755, IoT extender logic 756, 3GPP extender logic 757, CBRS/xNB/HNB logic757, power module 752, WLAN interface 724, PAN interface(s) 727, one ormore front end wireless network interfaces 748 for communication withe.g., CBSD/xNB, as well as one or more back end interfaces 761 such asfor establishment of, Gigabit Ethernet or other LAN connectivity e.g.,via the router 307, support of home or premises gateways, DSTBs, etc.

The antenna module 755 in the exemplary embodiment may include each ofthe MIMO, MISO or other spatial diversity antenna elements. The RF frontend module 748 includes components necessary for receipt and processingof the signals, including logic to determine radio path parameters ofinterest such as amplitude/RSSI/RSRP, phase, timing, as well as receivebeam forming logic (e.g., to form two or more discrete receive beams foramong other things, spatial or azimuthal resolution of the signalsreceived from the various CBSD/xNBs 206 in range of the FWA/CPE 305, aswell as xNBs 327 in cellular repeater mode, and served 3GPP devices suchas local UE 312). As such, the radio/CPE controller logic 759 (or thebeam forming logic) may “steer” the antenna array elements to evaluateor analyze particular azimuth values to scan and acquire RF signals ofinterest from the various CBSD/xNBs or xNBs (or even UE, such as in thecase of 5G NR mmWave implementations).

The RF baseband processing module 756 in communication with the CPU 742,is responsible for detecting and demodulating the received RF signalsfrom different paths and combining them into one logical data stream(and converting to an appropriate protocol for distribution within thepremises such as IEEE Std. 802.3 Ethernet packets). Combination of thereceived constituent signals (e.g., user data accessed via the assignedTDD slots and carrier(s) and beams) is accomplished in one embodimentvia stream, CBSD/xNB and beam ID data (i.e., each stream of data fromthe different beam from a different contributing CBSD/xNB 206 or eNB/gNB327 will have unique ID data that can be used to temporally reconstructthe packet data associated with that stream in proper order andrelation).

In the exemplary embodiment, the processor 742 may include one or moreof a digital signal processor, microprocessor, field-programmable gatearray, GPU, or plurality of processing components mounted on one or moresubstrates. The processor 742 may also comprise an internal cachememory, and is in communication with a memory subsystem 752, which cancomprise, e.g., SRAM, flash and/or SDRAM components. The memorysubsystem may implement one or more of DMA type hardware, so as tofacilitate data accesses as is well known in the art. The memorysubsystem of the exemplary embodiment contains computer-executableinstructions which are executable by the processor 742.

The processor 742 is configured to execute at least one computer programstored in memory 754 (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storagemedium); in the illustrated embodiment, such programs include logic toimplement the extender, registration/authentication and radio controllerfunctionality described previously herein. Other embodiments mayimplement such functionality within dedicated hardware, logic, and/orspecialized co-processors (not shown).

The embodiment of FIG. 7 also includes a plurality of radio mode logicmodules 755, 756, 757, and 758 to enable, inter alia, the CPE 305 tooperate in different modes such as Wi-Fi extender, IoT extender, HNB,cellular signal repeater, or as a CBRS/xNB base station, as describedelsewhere herein.

The software stack of the CPE 305 is also optionally implemented suchthat CBSD/xNB, gNB, IoT, HNB, or WLAN AP protocols are used to enable RFdetection and reporting functionality, including CPE functions such as(i) generation and transmission of periodic, on-demand or ad hoc RFdetection reports; (ii) receipt of network CBRS controller-generatedTDD/FDD slot, carrier, and wireless beam assignments; (iii)communication to network backhaul (whether primary or alternate); (iv)and communication with 3GPP eNB/gNBs and other EUTRAN or NR entitiessuch as the EPC or 5GC as required. The logic of the software/firmwarestack may also manage other aspects of CPE operation, including“intelligent” monitoring and storage of data for use in e.g., historicalassociations or connections with certain xNBs, CBSDs, APs, etc., RF orother parametric characterizations of the various CBSD/xNB, eNB/gNB,IoT, or AP devices in radio range of the CPE in terms of signalstrength, signal identity, required signal levels for communicationtherewith, and other useful data.

Intelligent Router Apparatus—

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an intelligent routerapparatus 307 configured to work in multiple modes as previouslydescribed in FIGS. 3-6E. It will be appreciated that while an embodimentof the router apparatus is shown as a standalone device, the apparatusmay be (i) embodied with lesser or alternate degrees of functionality(e.g., some may have all functions, such as for a premium subscriberpremises, while others may have lesser or alternate functions such asbased on geographic location or type of subscription—e.g., enterpriseversus residential); and (ii) the various components and functions maybe divided across two or more physical form factors or discrete devices,such as where part of the functionality is disposed in the CPE/FWA 305,and even part within the IoT gateway 313 or another premises apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 8, the router 307 includes, inter alia, a processorapparatus or CPU 842, a program memory module 854, mass storage 863,Wi-Fi extender/repeater logic 855, IoT extender logic 856, power module852, WLAN interface/chipset 824, PAN interface(s)/chipsets 827, one ormore back end interfaces 861 such as for establishment of, GigabitEthernet or other LAN connectivity e.g., via the router modem 309,support of home or premises gateways, DSTBs, etc. As shown, the backendinterfaces 861 in one embodiment include a MAC (layer 2/3) chipset 821which provides the routing and similar functions in support of bothnormal router operation and “pass through” or other data transactionsfrom the CPE/FWA or its clients 311, 312, 317 when operating in abnormalor extension modes. The backend interfaces also serve to enable thesecondary backhaul via the appropriate modem 309 whether via DOCSIS,DSL, optical fiber, mmWave, or other approach.

The WLAN extender logic 855 and IoT extender logic 856 are configuredto, in the exemplary embodiment, implement the logic of FIG. 5Dpreviously described, as well as IoT gateway-related functions(respectively). For instance, bandwidth allocation and assessment,characterization of current IoT air interfaces and protocols in usewithin the premises, and communication between CPE-extended IoT clients317 and the IoT gateway 313 (and its clients) may be facilitated vialogic of the IoT extender module 856.

Service Provider Network—

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary MSO-based network architecture usefulwith the extension/repeater functionality and supporting 3GPP/CBRS-basedwireless network(s) described herein. It will be appreciated that whiledescribed with respect to such network configuration, the methods andapparatus described herein may readily be used with other network typesand topologies, whether wired or wireless, managed or unmanaged.

The exemplary service provider network 900 is used in the embodiment ofFIG. 9 to provide backbone and Internet access from the serviceprovider's wireless access nodes (e.g., CBSD/xNBs, Wi-Fi APs, FWAdevices or base stations operated or maintained by the MSO), and one ormore stand-alone or embedded cable modems (CMs) 933 in datacommunication therewith.

The individual xNBs 206 are backhauled by the CMs 933 to the MSO corevia e.g., CMTS or CCAP MHAv2/RPD or other such architecture, and the MSOcore 319 includes at least some of the EPC/5GC core functions previouslydescribed, as well as a CPE controller process 919 as shown. Thecontroller process is in one embodiment a network-based server whichcommunicates with the various CPE/FWA (specifically, the CEL (Controland Extension Logic) 935) so as to effect various functions including insome cases the decision logic 506 of FIG. 5 previously described. Aspreviously referenced, the controller 919 can communicate with theCPE/FWA 305 via either the primary backhaul (CBRS link) whenoperational, and/or the secondary backhaul via the service provider (MSOor other) modem 309 when the primary backhaul is not operational. TheCEL 935 may also be configured to fail to its internal logic whencommunication with the network controller process 919 is lost, in effectself-moderating for decisions of extender/repeater modes and operation.

Each of the CPE/FWA 305 are communicative with their respective xNBs206, as well as other CPE/FWA as needed to support the relay functionspreviously described. Client devices 311, 312, 317 such as tablets,smartphones, SmartTVs, etc. at each premises are served by respectiveWLAN routers 307, IoT gateways 313, and CPE/FWA 305, the latter whichare backhauled to the MSO core or backbone via their respective CPE/FWAduring normal modes of operation of the primary (CBRS) links.

It is also envisaged that control data may be transmitted between theCPE/FWA and network controller 919 via low-bandwidth long-range links,such as where the CPE/FWA PAN interfaces (FIG. 7) include a LoRaWANinterface capable of at least reception of control data from thecontroller (transmitted by e.g., an MSO LoRaWAN transmitter disposeddistant from the served premises). In this fashion, neither a primarynor secondary backhaul of the type previously described is required fortransmission of the control data. Likewise, the cellular modem on theCPE/FWA (and associated SIM) can be used to establish a control channelbetween the CPE/FWA and the MSO controller if needed.

Notably, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, all of the necessary componentsfor support of the WLAN, IoT and CBRS repeater functionality are owned,maintained and/or operated by the common entity (e.g., cable MSO). Theapproach of FIG. 9 has the advantage of, inter alia, giving the MSOcomplete control over the entire service provider chain (with exceptionof xNBs 327) so as to optimize service to its specific customers (versusthe non-MSO customer-specific service provided by an MNO), and theability to construct its architecture to optimize incipient 5G NRfunctions such as network slicing, gNB DU/CU Option “splits” within theCBSD/xNB infrastructure, etc.

FIG. 10 illustrates the relationship between the MSO architecture ofFIG. 9 and the MNO architecture 1000. As shown, the MSO service domainextends only to the CPE/FWA and served premises and the MSO corefunctions, while other functions such as 3GPP EPC/E-UTRAN or 5GC andNG-RAN functionality is provided by one or more MNO networks 1032operated by MNOs, including in some embodiments with which the MSO has aservice agreement. In this approach, the CPE controller server 919 isstill maintained and operated by the MSO (since the MSO maintainscognizance over the CPE/FWA and CPE/FWA), although this is not arequirement, and the present disclosure contemplates embodiments wherethe controller function is maintained by the MNO or even a third party.The approach of FIGS. 9 and 10 (i.e., coordination of MSO and MNOnetworks) has the advantage of, inter alia, avoiding more CAPEX by theMSO, including duplication of infrastructure which may already servicethe area of interest, including reduced RF interference due to additionof extra (and ostensibly unnecessary) xNBs or other transceivers.

It will be recognized that while certain aspects of the disclosure aredescribed in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, thesedescriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of thedisclosure, and may be modified as required by the particularapplication. Certain steps may be rendered unnecessary or optional undercertain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality maybe added to the disclosed embodiments, or the order of performance oftwo or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to beencompassed within the disclosure disclosed and claimed herein.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features of the disclosure as applied to various embodiments,it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Thisdescription is in no way meant to be limiting, but rather should betaken as illustrative of the general principles of the disclosure. Thescope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to theclaims.

It will be further appreciated that while certain steps and aspects ofthe various methods and apparatus described herein may be performed by ahuman being, the disclosed aspects and individual methods and apparatusare generally computerized/computer-implemented. Computerized apparatusand methods are necessary to fully implement these aspects for anynumber of reasons including, without limitation, commercial viability,practicality, and even feasibility (i.e., certain steps/processes simplycannot be performed by a human being in any viable fashion).

What is claimed is:
 1. A computerized method of operating a premiseswireless apparatus, the computerized method comprising: utilizing afirst wireless interface of the premises wireless apparatus as awireless backhaul for one or more computerized devices of a premises toat least one base station; and based at least on one of a loss orincipient loss of connection on the first wireless interface during saidutilizing, causing the premises wireless apparatus to operate as anextension access point for at least one of the one or more computerizeddevices, the operation as the extension access point comprisingutilizing a second wireless interface of the premises wirelessapparatus; wherein the utilizing of the second wireless interface of thepremises wireless apparatus comprises configuring the premises wirelessapparatus to extend signals from an IEEE (Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers) Std. 802.11-compliant wireless access point (AP)or router to one or more areas outside of a structure on the premisesvia one or more antenna elements mounted externally to or on thestructure.
 2. The computerized method of claim 1, wherein: the utilizingthe first wireless interface further comprises transmitting the signalswithin a frequency range between 3.550 and 3.70 GHz inclusive; and theat least one base station comprises a CBRS (Citizens Broadband RadioService) compliant CBSD (Citizens Broadband Radio Service device). 3.The computerized method of claim 1, wherein the at least one basestation and the premises wireless apparatus utilize 3rd GenerationPartnership Project (3GPP)-compliant 5G NR-U (Fifth Generation NewRadio—Unlicensed) air interface technology for said wireless backhaul.4. The computerized method of claim 1, wherein the premises wirelessapparatus is connected to the IEEE Std. 802.11-compliant wireless AP orrouter via a cable link, and the computerized method further comprisesusing the IEEE Std. 802.11-compliant wireless AP or router to accessInternet via a service provider modem.
 5. The computerized method ofclaim 4, further comprising: sending data relating to at least one of(i) an SSID, or (ii) one or more operating channels, to the premiseswireless apparatus; and utilizing the at least one of the SSID or theone or more operating channels during transmissions from the premiseswireless apparatus based at least in part on the sent data.
 6. Acomputerized method of operating a premises wireless apparatus, thecomputerized method comprising: utilizing a first wireless interface ofthe premises wireless apparatus as a wireless backhaul for one or morecomputerized devices of a premises to at least one base station;receiving, from a network process in data communication with thepremises wireless apparatus, data indicative an incipient loss ofconnection on the first wireless interface during said utilizing, thereceiving being prior to any actual loss of the connection; and based atleast on the data indicative of the incipient loss of the connection onthe first wireless interface, causing the premises wireless apparatus tooperate as an extension access point for at least one of the one or morecomputerized devices, the operation as the extension access pointcomprising utilizing a second wireless interface of the premiseswireless apparatus.
 7. The computerized method of claim 6, wherein thereceived data indicative of the incipient loss of the connection on thefirst wireless interface during said utilizing is transmitted from thenetwork process to the premises wireless apparatus in response to aspectrum grant withdrawal by a CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service)SAS (spectrum allocation system).
 8. The computerized method of claim 6,further comprising utilizing the premises wireless apparatus to transactsignals with at least one mobile client device at the premises prior tothe any actual loss of the connection, the transaction of the signalswith the at least one mobile client device conducted according to atleast one of a 3GPP LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 5G NR (Fifth GenerationNew Radio) air interface technology standard, and utilizing at least oneof an unlicensed spectrum or quasi-licensed spectrum.
 9. A computerizedmethod of operating a premises wireless apparatus of a premises, thecomputerized method comprising: utilizing the premises wirelessapparatus to measure a plurality of signals received from a plurality ofrespective cellular base stations; selecting at least one cellular basestation for extension of a connection, the selecting based at least onone or more parameters associated with the received plurality ofsignals, the at least one cellular base station comprising a CBRS(Citizens Broadband Radio Service) compliant CBSD (Citizens Broadbandradio Service Device); utilizing a first wireless interface of thepremises wireless apparatus as a wireless backhaul for one or morecomputerized devices of the premises to the at least one cellular basestation, the wireless backhaul operating within a frequency band of3.550 to 3.700 inclusive; and responsive to a loss or incipient loss ofconnection on the first wireless interface during said utilizing,causing the premises wireless apparatus to operate as an extensionaccess point for at least one other cellular base station with which thepremises wireless apparatus can establish a connection.
 10. Thecomputerized method of claim 9, wherein the CBRS compliant CBSD and thepremises wireless apparatus utilize 3GPP-compliant LTE or 5G NR (FifthGeneration New Radio) air interface technology for said wirelessbackhaul.
 11. The computerized method of claim 10, wherein the at leastone other cellular base station and the premises wireless apparatusutilize 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)-compliant LTE or 5G NR(Fifth Generation New Radio) air interface technology operating within alicensed band for said connection in support of said extension.
 12. Thecomputerized method of claim 9, wherein the selecting based at least onthe one or more parameters comprises selecting the at least one cellularbase station based on highest referenced signal received power (RSRP).13. The computerized method of claim 9, wherein the selecting the atleast one cellular base station causes the at least one cellular basestation to allocate specified resources to the premises wirelessapparatus.
 14. Computer readable apparatus comprising a non-transitorystorage medium, the non-transitory storage medium comprising at leastone computer program having a plurality of instructions, the pluralityof instructions configured to, when executed on a processing apparatusof a computerized wireless premises apparatus of a premises, cause thecomputerized wireless premises apparatus to: utilize a first wirelessinterface of the computerized wireless premises apparatus as a wirelessbackhaul for one or more computerized premises devices to at least onebase station; and based at least on a loss or incipient loss ofconnection on the first wireless interface during said utilization,operate the computerized wireless premises apparatus as an extensionaccess point for at least one of the one or more computerized premisesdevices, the operation as an extension access point comprisingutilization of a second wireless interface of the computerized wirelesspremises apparatus; wherein the operation of the computerized wirelesspremises apparatus as the extension access point comprises configurationof the computerized wireless premises apparatus to extend signals fromat least one of an IoT (Internet of Things) gateway apparatus or IoTrouter associated with the IoT gateway apparatus to one or more areasoutside of a structure on the premises via one or more antenna elementsmounted externally to or on the structure, in order to serve one or moreIoT sensors disposed external to the structure.
 15. The computerreadable apparatus of claim 14, wherein the plurality of instructionsare further configured to, when executed on the processing apparatus,cause the computerized wireless premises apparatus to: measure aplurality of signals received at the computerized wireless premisesapparatus; and based on the measurement, select the at least one basestation, the at least one base station having a best calculated putativeperformance level of a plurality of base stations from which theplurality of signals respectively emanated.
 16. The computer readableapparatus of claim 15, wherein the selection of the at least one basestation is based on the at least one base station having a highestreferenced signal received power (RSRP) of the plurality of basestations.
 17. The computer readable apparatus of claim 14, wherein thecomputerized wireless premises apparatus is associated with a networkoperator of a managed content distribution network, the computerizedwireless premises apparatus configured to communicate via a cable linkto one or more wireless access point apparatus to obtain high-speed dataservices at least when the wireless backhaul is disabled or inoperative,and utilize the one or more wireless access point apparatus to connectto the wireless backhaul via the cable link.
 18. The computer readableapparatus of claim 14, wherein the plurality of instructions are furtherconfigured to, when executed on the processing apparatus, cause thecomputerized wireless premises apparatus to: determine at least one ofan available type or capacity of the wireless backhaul which isthen-currently operational; and based at least on the determination,select at least one of a plurality of functional modes of thecomputerized wireless premises apparatus for operation.
 19. The computerreadable apparatus of claim 18, wherein the available type or capacityof the wireless backhaul comprises a limited-bandwidth connectioninsufficient to support broadband operation, and the plurality ofinstructions are further configured to, when executed on the processingapparatus, cause the computerized wireless premises apparatus to: selectan IoT mode of operation for the computerized wireless premisesapparatus.